Table of contents

BenefitsMethod 1: Using a plugin (recommended)Method 2: Manually (with HTML code)Where to display itHow to customize itHow to test itTips for encouraging donationsTroubleshootingFAQsGetting StartedAdditional Resources

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WordPress Guide → Monetize → Add PayPal Donate Button

Adding a PayPal donate button to WordPress

Adding a PayPal donate button to your WordPress site is one of the easiest ways to collect contributions from supporters, fans, or customers. Whether you run a nonprofit, offer free resources, or simply want to give visitors a way to support your work, PayPal is a simple and trusted payment option that integrates easily with WordPress.

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Why add a PayPal donate button to your WordPress site?

A PayPal donate button allows visitors to support you financially without requiring a full ecommerce setup. You can use it to:

Accept donations for a nonprofit or personal cause
Let readers support your blog, podcast, or YouTube channel
Receive tips for free downloads, tools, or open-source projects
Create a funding option without selling products or services

You don’t need to build a complex donation platform—just a button and a PayPal account.

In some cases, you may want to take the additional step of setting up a unique donation page too. This allows you to set up more customization, recurring options, etc. for specific CTAs, while maintaining branding control.

Method 1: Add a PayPal donate button using a plugin (recommended)

Using a plugin is the easiest and most beginner-friendly way to add a PayPal donation button to WordPress. Most plugins provide settings for customization and make it easy to insert your button anywhere on your site.

Step 1: Install and activate a PayPal donation plugin

From your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New. In the search bar, type Easy PayPal Donation Button or just PayPal Donation. Look for a plugin that is well-rated and recently updated. Once you find the plugin you want, click Install Now, then Activate.

Step 2: Configure plugin settings

After activating the plugin, go to its settings page. This is usually found under Settings > PayPal Donations or a similar menu name, depending on the plugin.

Enter the PayPal email address where you want to receive donations. Then set:

Currency (USD, EUR, etc.)
Default donation amount (optional)
Donation purpose or label (e.g., “Support Our Work”)
Return URL (where donors go after a successful donation—this could be a thank-you page)

Click Save Changes once you’ve configured the settings.

Step 3: Create and customize your donate button

Most plugins generate a shortcode you can use to insert the button anywhere. Some let you build a custom button with:

Different text (e.g., “Support Me”)
Button size or alignment
Optional recurring donation toggle

Customize your button appearance based on your site’s design and audience preferences.

Step 4: Place the button using shortcode or widget

To add the button to a post or page, simply paste the shortcode the plugin provides into the WordPress Block Editor using a Shortcode block.

To add the button to your sidebar or footer, go to Appearance > Widgets. Drag a Text or Shortcode widget into your desired widget area and paste the shortcode there. You can also use a Custom HTML widget if the plugin outputs HTML instead of a shortcode.

Some plugins also allow adding the button to your navigation menu. To do that, create a new page or custom link, then add it via Appearance > Menus.

Method 2: Add a PayPal donate button manually (with HTML code)

If you prefer not to use a plugin or want more control over the button’s appearance, you can generate a PayPal donate button directly from your PayPal account and embed it into your WordPress site.

Step 1: Generate your PayPal donate button code

Log in to your PayPal account and go to Tools > PayPal Buttons (or search for “PayPal Button Generator”). Choose Donate as the button type.

Customize the button by entering:

The donation name or cause
Your PayPal email or merchant ID
Fixed or flexible donation amount
Your preferred currency
Optional redirect URL after donation

Once you’re done, PayPal will generate an HTML code snippet. Copy this code.

Step 2: Copy and embed the code in WordPress

In the WordPress Block Editor, go to the page or post where you want the button. Add a Custom HTML block and paste the code you copied from PayPal.

If you’re using the Classic Editor, switch from the Visual tab to the Text tab, then paste the code directly into the content area.

Click Preview to make sure the button appears correctly. Then publish or update your page.

Where to display your donate button

The best placement depends on your site layout and goals. Common places include:

On the far right of the main nav
A dedicated “Donate” or “Support Us” page
Your blog’s sidebar or footer using a widget
At the end of blog posts or articles
As a floating or sticky button using a plugin or theme feature

The more visible the button is, the more likely users are to notice and use it.

How to customize your donate button appearance

Most plugins let you:

Change the button text (“Contribute Now,” “Help Us Grow”)
Adjust the size, alignment, and color of the button
Add a dropdown to select amounts or enable recurring donations

If you’re using the manual method, you can:

Use CSS to style the HTML button
Replace the default PayPal button image with a custom one
Add text or icons near the button for clarity or branding

Make sure the button design fits with your site’s look and doesn’t feel out of place.

How to test your PayPal donate button

Before making your donate button live, test it thoroughly:

Use PayPal’s Sandbox environment to simulate donations without using real money
If testing live, donate a small amount and issue yourself a refund
Check that the button loads properly on all devices
Confirm you receive the correct email notifications from PayPal
Make sure the redirect URL works as expected

Testing gives you peace of mind and prevents donation errors.

Tips for encouraging donations

Getting visitors to click “Donate” often requires more than just placing a button on the page. People are more likely to give when they understand the value of their contribution and feel a personal connection to your cause or content. Here’s how to increase your chances of receiving donations:

Tell a compelling story. Don’t just say “Please donate.” Share why you’re asking for support. Whether you’re funding a personal project, running a nonprofit, or supporting open-source development, explain what the money helps accomplish.
Place the button near high-value content. Put your donate button on pages that visitors are most likely to value—like a popular tutorial, free resource, or content hub. People are more likely to donate when they’ve just received something helpful or meaningful.
Use trust-building signals. Mention that PayPal is a secure and widely trusted payment processor. If your site has an SSL certificate (HTTPS), that adds credibility. Consider adding a privacy statement near the button, saying you don’t store donor data.
Offer small incentives. Even something simple, like a thank-you shoutout, downloadable file, or name listed on a “Supporters” page, can motivate people to donate. Make sure the offer aligns with your audience and feels genuine.
Display donor testimonials or impact statements. If others have already supported you, include a quote or testimonial. If you’ve met goals in the past thanks to donations, highlight that. Showing results builds confidence that their donation will make a real difference.
Keep the process simple. Avoid long forms or multiple clicks to donate. The fewer steps it takes, the more likely someone will follow through. This is another reason why PayPal is a great choice—it’s fast and familiar to many users.
Add urgency or goals (if relevant). If you’re fundraising for a time-sensitive project, event, or need, mention that. Example: “We need to raise $500 by the end of the month to renew our hosting.” Visual progress bars can also be motivating if you’re using a plugin that supports them.
Follow up with gratitude. Always thank your donors, even with an automatic message or redirect to a custom thank-you page. Gratitude builds loyalty and makes people feel good about giving, which increases the chances they’ll do it again.

These strategies don’t require advanced tools—just a little thoughtful placement and messaging. When you combine a well-placed button with a compelling story and easy donation experience, you’re much more likely to see results.

Troubleshooting common issues

Here are some quick fixes if your button isn’t working:

Button not showing? Double-check you pasted the code in an HTML block, not a Paragraph or Visual Editor field
Not redirecting after donation? Make sure the return URL is set correctly in PayPal
Plugin not displaying the button? Try re-saving the settings or clearing your site cache
Shortcode showing as plain text? Make sure you’re using a Shortcode block or the Classic Editor’s Text tab
PayPal account issues? Confirm your account is verified and has no restrictions

PayPal button FAQs

Do I need a PayPal Business account?

No, a personal PayPal account can receive donations, but a Business account gives you more customization and features.

Can I accept recurring donations?

Yes, some plugins and PayPal’s button generator let you enable recurring monthly donations.

Is PayPal the only option for WordPress donations?

No, you can also use Stripe, GiveWP, WPForms, or WooCommerce Donations. But PayPal is often the simplest to start with.

Can I track who donated?

You’ll get a PayPal notification with the donor’s name and email (if they choose to share it). You can also view donation history in your PayPal dashboard.

Next steps for adding a PayPal donate button to WordPress

Adding a PayPal donate button is a fast and beginner-friendly way to start collecting donations on your WordPress site. Whether you use a plugin or code, it’s flexible, secure, and easy to manage.

If you’re ready to start collecting donations, choose the method that fits your comfort level—plugin for ease, manual for full control—and add the button to your site today.

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